Aussie firm names new diversity leader

Aussie firm names new diversity leaderCorrs Chambers Westgarth has appointed Heidi Roberts as the firm’s partner for diversity and inclusion and chair of its diversity council.

In the chair role, Roberts replaces Annette Hughes who retired from the partnership at the end of 2016. Among her key focuses will be Corrs’ strength in gender equality, LGBTI inclusion, flexibility and RAP initiatives.

In announcing the appointment, partner and CEO John W.H. Denton AO praised Annette Hughes’ “significant contribution to the firm and the profession.”

25 lawyers promoted to partner at international firm
Reed Smith has announced that 25 lawyers have been promoted to partner across its international footprint including three in Asia Pacific.

Jessica Kenworthy in Singapore covers a broad range of financing, and she specializes in complex trade and commodity financings and ship financings. She has been involved in a wide range of commodity finance-related transactions, in particular acting for lenders, trading houses and multilaterals.

In Hong Kong, Eddy So becomes a partner in the litigation group with a practice focused on financial services, commercial litigation, and regulatory investigations and enforcement, as well as white-collar crime.

Finally, Shanghai’s Amy Yin focuses on inbound and cross-border mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures and other investments involving the PRC.

Clifford Chance increases Middle East’s Africa capabilities
International firm Clifford Chance has boosted its Middle East capabilities focused on Africa, due to increased demand from clients in the region.

Edmund ‎Boyo, Head of Clifford Chance's Anglophone West Africa practice relocated in early January from Frankfurt to work out of the Middle East. He brings with him a team of associates, also from the Frankfurt office.

The new arrivals complement the Clifford Chance existing Africa team based in the region.